Nardoo
A clover-like fern that can survive floods.
Nardoo looks very similar to a four-leaf clover, but is actually a fern.
A characteristic feature of ferns is that the tip of the young leaves is rolled up, like a bishop's rod. If you look closely, you can observe this exact feature in the nardoo plant.
Nardoo can grow in up to 1 m deep water and is especially found in areas that are periodically flooded. The plant has a high content of an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1, which is a problem for grazing animals. Deficiency of vitamin B1 can cause brain damage in sheep and horses.
In the summer of 1974, 2,200 sheep died in Australia after they had been grazing in an area with a lot of nardoo
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
- Danish name: Kløverbregne
- Latin name: Marsilea drummondii
- Family: Water-clover family / Marsileaceae
- Natural habitat: Australia